"Oh, he's conceited enough to think he can beat you, I make
no doubt," said Sam.
"On those old skates, too! They look as if Adam might have used them
when he was a boy!"
This sally of Tom's created a laugh.
"His skates are old ones, to be sure," said Randolph, who was
quick-sighted enough to understand that any remark of this kind
might dim the luster of his expected victory. "His skates are old
enough, but they are just as good for skating as mine."
"They won't win him the watch, though," said Sam.
"I don't care for the watch myself," said Randolph, loftily.
"I've got a silver one now, and am to have a gold one when
I'm eighteen. But I want to show that I am the best skater.
Besides, father has promised me ten dollars if I win."
"I wish I had ten dollars," said Sam, enviously.
He was the son of the storekeeper, and his father allowed him only
ten cents a week pocket-money, so that ten dollars in his eyes was
a colossal fortune.
"I have no doubt you would, Sam," said Tom, joyously; "but you
couldn't be trusted with so much money. You'd go down to New York
and try to buy out A. T. Stewart."
"Are you ready, boys?" asked Mr. Hooper.
Most of the boys responded promptly in the affirmative; but Luke,
who had been tightening his straps, said quickly: "I am not ready,
Mr. Hooper. My strap has broken!"
"Indeed, Luke, I am sorry to hear it," said the teacher, approaching
and examining the fracture.
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